My Fellow Americans

The election is over, and we now have a new President-elect.

I'm pretty sure you already know that. However, I want you to think about something that is even more important that you might not have considered. We are Americans; citizens of the UNITED States of America. It breaks my heart to see just how divided we are right now.

Most candidates will say that they won't run a "dirty" campaign, that they won't air negative ads. But they do. They ALL do!!! We've all had to see it, hear it and read about it. Democrat vs. Republican, North vs. South, East Coast vs. West Coast, blue states vs. red states, black vs. white, male vs. female.....and on it goes. United? NO!!!!

Don't think for one moment that our enemies don't sit back and revel in our division!!!!! The tragedies of September 11, 2001 didn't just "happen". They were plotted and schemed and executed by people who hated our country. They weren't targeting Democrats or Republicans. They didn't care what race the victims were. Or their gender, or religion, or their age. Nope - any ole American would do, and the more the better. People who hated us because we were Americans!! The things that make our country so great - our freedoms, our rights, our way of life - are threatened daily by hostile forces. And we as a country sit back and spend millions and millions of dollars, and the past year fighting amongst ourselves?? Does this not sound crazy to anyone else???

I proudly served in the U.S. Air Force. I raised my right hand and took a solemn oath to protect our country, with my life if necessary. I promise you this, there was no way this service left me unchanged, unmoved, by that oath, our flag, and our national anthem. I was willing to fight, and die, to protect my country. Now I'm an Army wife and I have had to see my husband, my beloved, serve in war and be sent to Iraq on three separate tours. It's one thing to volunteer for yourself; it's much harder to stand back and see someone you love at risk. But we do it because we love our country and the risk is worth it. It's worth EVERYTHING and ANYTHING to keep this country strong and safe.

Now that is not to say that if you haven't served or have someone you love who has served, that you don't love your country too. My point is we know how it feels, that burden, that sacrifice, of putting yourself or your loved ones in harm's way to protect our country. It changes you. It makes you aware of what is at stake in a very real, very unique way.

We simply cannot afford to be divided now. Whether "your guy" won or the "other guy", it's now immaterial. We MUST stand behind our government and fix the serious problems and issues we as a country now face. It's not enough to just vote once every four years and hope it will all turn out ok. If you want change then you need to be involved!! Voting is just one step of the process. Be informed, do your research, find out who is voting contrary to your wishes and be heard!! It's not just a priviledge, it's your responsibility. Don't be a part of the problem, be a part of the solution!!

Today is a new day. It's a new chance to get back to the values, morals and principles our great country was founded upon!!! WE MUST WORK TOGETHER!!! Because folks, if we don't......divided we shall surely fall.